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Debbie Allen and Norm Nixon‘s love story dates back more than four decades.
The award-winning actress and dancer and wed the former NBA player on April 27, 1984 and later welcomed two children together, Vivian and Norman Jr. (along with Norm’s son DeVaughn Nixon.)
Now, 40 years in, their marriage has stood the test of time in part, Allen says, due to their shared interests.
“I think our relationship has always been born on friendship and commonality in terms of things that we both like,” she told PEOPLE. “[We like] to read books. We both like to go to the movies. We both like to travel. We both love our children.”
And despite having “hit some rocks and hit some walls,” their bond is still going strong.
In celebration of their decades of love, here’s a look back at some of their best throwback photos.
Lasting Love
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Allen wore a light pink suit paired with a matching hat while Nixon opted for a suit of his own at the Genii Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in 2001.
Picture Perfect
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In this undated photo, the parents of three are all dressed up as they pose with their arms around one another.
Too Cool
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Not long after becoming a family of five, Allen and Nixon stepped out for the premiere of A Dry White Season in L.A. in 1989.
Going Green
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Stunning in an emerald green off-the-shoulder gown, Allen arrived hand-in-hand with Nixon for the Academy Awards in 1995.
Of the ’90s
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Allen’s red and white striped hat screamed ’90s style at the 1992 premiere of Alien 3 in L.A.
Sweet Smiles
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The couple was all smiles at a press party for Fox as the network announced the fall lineup in 1997.
Coordinated Looks
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The couple exuded Hollywood glam at the 1998 Golden Globe awards where Allen took home the trophy for best performance by an actress in a television series musical or comedy for Fame in 1983.
Bring It In
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For The Josephine Baker Story premiere in the early 1990s, Allen sported a black hat while the former basketball player threw on a snazzy trench coat.
Fur Real
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Allen opted for a two-toned fur coat and gold earrings while Nixon went with a tux for the 1997 premiere of Amistad.
Young Love
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Before the two said “I do” Allen and Nixon, who at the time was still in the NBA, attended the 35th annual Primetime Emmy Awards in 1983.
